Civil Society Rejects Ultimatum to Defence Minister Musa

On August 29, the Aminchi Centre for Social Advocacy and Development Initiative, led by Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman Ibrahim Shuni, rejected a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa. The ultimatum demanded that Musa stop the killings in Sokoto State or resign.

Shuni criticized this demand, stating that the Federal Ministry of Defence is a complex institution that requires coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including the Presidency, Armed Forces, Police, and local governments, to effectively address issues like terrorism and banditry. He clarified that the Defence Minister does not have the unilateral capacity to prevent all criminal activities and emphasized that national security involves multiple institutions working together.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by MURIC regarding insecurity, Shuni argued that the ultimatum misrepresents the responsibilities within the defence sector.